Joy of Padel with Alex Inglot
In the latest episode of "The Joy of Padel," host Minter Dial sits down with Alex Inglot, a prominent figure in the world of padel and sports business. The conversation delves into Alex's fascinating journey from tennis and volleyball to becoming a key player in the padel community and the business of sports.
From Tennis to Volleyball
Alex Inglot's sporting journey began with tennis, a sport he picked up in his early teens. Despite his competitive spirit, he found himself outpaced by his younger brother, Dom, who started playing tennis at a much younger age. This sibling rivalry fuelled Alex's passion for sports, but it was volleyball that eventually captured his interest. Encouraged by his Polish maths teacher, Alex transitioned to volleyball, where he trained with top UK teams and played at the highest level until his late twenties.
The Shift to Padel
After a shoulder injury forced him to retire from professional volleyball, Alex dabbled in various sports but found a new passion in padel, thanks to his brother's influence. He started playing padel in early 2023 and quickly became engrossed in the sport. His background in tennis and volleyball provided a solid foundation, making him a formidable player on the padel court.
A Career in Sports Business
Alex's professional journey is as impressive as his sporting career. He began as a corporate lawyer with aspirations of moving into sports law and administration. His career took off in 2009 when he entered the sports industry, working in communications and international relations around the Olympic space. He later joined Sportradar, a leading company in sports data, betting, streaming, and integrity. In 2018, Alex became a player representative on the ATP executive board, a role he describes as a "job of a lifetime." Currently, he serves as the commissioner of one of the largest esports leagues, a position that has taken him to Cologne for the IEM Cologne quarterfinals.
The Business of Padel
The conversation shifts to the business side of padel, where Alex shares his insights on the sport's growth and the challenges it faces. He highlights the enthusiasm and opportunities within the padel community but also warns of the difficulties in distinguishing credible operators from those looking for short-term gains. Alex emphasises the importance of due diligence and the need for a balanced approach to ensure the sport's sustainable growth.
The Role of Technology
One of the key points Alex discusses is the role of technology in padel. He notes that the sport has embraced technology, particularly in matchmaking and user experience, making it easier for players to find partners and enjoy the game. This tech-savvy approach has been instrumental in padel's rapid growth and popularity.
The Social Aspect of Padel
Alex also touches on the social nature of padel, which he believes is one of its strongest selling points. The sport's inherent sociability, combined with its accessibility, makes it appealing to a wide range of players. This social aspect is deeply embedded in the sport's DNA, particularly in countries like Spain and Argentina, where padel has a rich history.
All the Angles Podcast
Towards the end of the episode, Alex talks about his podcast, "All the Angles," which focuses on the business of padel. Sponsored by Hexagon Cup, the podcast aims to bridge the gap between the legacy padel markets in Spain and Argentina and the emerging markets in Scandinavia, the Middle East, the UK, and the US. Alex's goal is to provide valuable insights and perspectives from industry leaders, helping listeners navigate the evolving landscape of padel.
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